Top 10 Bartender Jobs – July 2024 Job Listings

How Much Do Bartenders Make in the US?

The average wage for a Bartender in the United States is $37,090 base plus tips per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Explore the map below for annual Bartender salaries across the U.S.

[Source: BLS]

This map is interactive. Hover your mouse over different parts of the map to see detailed data. 

Some Bartenders can earn as little as $19,870 (10th percentile) base plus tips per year, while some may earn as much as $61,210 (90th percentile) base plus tips per hour.

[Source: BLS]

This bar graph is interactive. Hover your mouse over different parts of the graph to see detailed data. 

Simply put, if you’re in the 90th percentile, it means you earn more than 90% of all the Bartenders in the U.S. So, earning $61,210 puts you in the top 10% of earners among Bartenders.

Conversely, if you’re in the 10th percentile, it means you earn less than 90% of the group. So, earning $19,870 places you in the bottom 10% of earners among Bartenders.

Bartender Hourly Wage

The average hourly wage for a Bartender in the U.S. is $17.83 base plus tips per hour.

Bartender salary also differs in the four major U.S. cities, with New York City being the highest-paying ($27.91 per hour) and Chicago being the lowest-paying city ($17.13 per hour).

[Source: BLS]

Typically, customers tip between 15% and 20% of the total bill. An alternative approach is tipping per drink, with a standard of $1 for simple drinks like beer and $2–$4 for mixed drinks or cocktails.

For a comprehensive overview of Bartender salaries across the U.S., including average annual salaries, state-specific figures and salary information for key cities like New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago and Miami, visit our Bartender Salary page.

Top-Paying States for Bartenders

Bartender salaries differ across US states mostly due to different costs of living, local economic conditions, state regulations such as minimum wage laws, tipping culture and competition among establishments.

Browse the chart below to discover the top-paying states for Bartenders.

[Source: BLS]

This chart is interactive. Hover your mouse over different parts of the graph to see detailed data.

Where Do Most Bartenders Work?

Bartenders work across a range of industries. According to BLS, Restaurants and Other Eating Places have the highest number of Bartender employment, followed by Drinking Places, Traveler Accommodation, Civic and Social Organizations and Beverage Manufacturing.

[Source: BLS]

This chart is interactive. Hover your mouse over different parts of the chart to see detailed data. 

Within Restaurants and Other Eating Places, Drinking Places and Traveler Accommodations, Bartenders work in different establishments, each offering distinct atmospheres and clientele.

In bars and pubs, they create a warm and welcoming environment, engaging with patrons and fostering a sense of community. Behind the bar, Bartenders juggle multiple tasks, from mixing cocktails to pouring pints of beer with precision.

Restaurants often feature bars where Bartenders create drinks that complement the dining experience, whether it’s a pre-dinner cocktail or a post-meal digestif. The atmosphere in restaurant bars is typically more refined and sophisticated, reflecting the ambiance of the dining establishment.

In clubs and nightclubs, Bartenders operate within a bustling and high-energy environment. They work tirelessly to keep up with the rapid pace, serving drinks to a constant stream of patrons. Amidst flashing lights and booming music, they skillfully navigate through crowded spaces, ensuring everyone receives their orders promptly.

Hotels also rely on Bartenders to provide exceptional service in their bar areas, which serve as oases of relaxation for guests and visitors alike. From crafting classic cocktails to recommending local specialties, Bartenders contribute to the overall guest experience, leaving a lasting impression.

Event venues present another avenue for Bartenders to showcase their skills, whether it’s a lavish wedding, a corporate gala or a high-profile conference. Here, they adapt to diverse settings and guest preferences, ensuring seamless beverage service that enhances the event’s success.

Moreover, some Bartenders opt to work for catering companies, where they provide beverage services at private events and corporate functions. In this capacity, they excel in mobile bartending, bringing their expertise to various venues and adapting to ever-changing environments.

Bartender Career Growth: Pros and Cons

Bartending offers a unique career path with its own set of advantages and challenges. Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of pursuing growth in this dynamic field.

Pros:

• Flexibility: Bartending often provides flexible working hours, allowing individuals to balance work with other commitments such as education or personal pursuits.
• Skill development: Bartenders have the opportunity to continuously refine their craft, learning new cocktail recipes, techniques, and customer service skills.
• Networking: Working in bars and restaurants exposes Bartenders to a diverse range of people, offering ample opportunities for networking and building professional connections.
• Potential for high earnings: In busy establishments or upscale venues, Bartenders have the potential to earn substantial tips, especially during peak hours or special events.
• Creativity: Bartending allows for creative expression through the creation of signature cocktails, contributing to a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction in the role.

Cons:

• Physically demanding job: Bartending can be physically demanding, requiring long hours on your feet and frequent lifting of heavy bottles and supplies.
• Inconsistent income: While the potential for high earnings exists, income can be unpredictable and heavily reliant on factors such as tips and seasonal fluctuations in business.
• Late hours: Many bartending shifts extend late into the night, which can disrupt sleep patterns and make it challenging to maintain a work-life balance.
• High stress levels: Busy nights behind the bar can be stressful, with the need to multitask, handle demanding customers and maintain a fast-paced environment.